Method for automatic identification and data capture

ABSTRACT

A system and methodology for tracking objects including affixing at least one imagable identifier onto each of a multiplicity of objects to be tracked, imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at least partial image of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects, containing the at least one imagable identifier and employing the at least partial image of the object containing the at least one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of the location of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to logistics systems andmethodologies generally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following patents and patent applications are believed torepresent the current state of the art relevant to the presentinvention:

[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,044,227; 4,268,179; 4,794,238; 4,844,509;5,468,949; 5,600,121, 5,621,864, 5,825,012; 5,828,048; 5,828,049;5,988,508; 5,996,895; 6,070,801, 6,127,928, 6,206,286; 6,252,508;6,259,408; 6,265,977; 6,283,375; 6,285,342, 6,286,763, 6,317,044.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improved logisticssystem and methodology

[0005] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a methodology for tracking objects including:

[0006] affixing at least one imagable identifier onto each of amultiplicity of objects to be tracked;

[0007] imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicity ofobjects at a known location to provide an at least partial image of theat least one of the multiplicity of objects, containing the at least oneimagable identifier; and

[0008] employing the at least partial image of the object containing theat least one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of thelocation of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects.

[0009] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention an object tracking system including:

[0010] at least one imagable identifier affixed onto each of amultiplicity of objects to be tracked;

[0011] an imager, imaging at least a portion of at least one of themultiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at leastpartial image of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects,containing the at least one imagable identifier; and

[0012] a processor employing the at least partial image of the objectcontaining the at least one imagable identifier to provide an outputindication of the location of the at least one of the multiplicity ofobjects.

[0013] Preferably, the methodology also includes communicating at leastone of the at least partial image and the output indication to a remotelocation.

[0014] Affixing preferably includes adhesively attaching the at leastone imagable identifier onto a surface of each of the multiplicity ofobjects. Alternatively or additionally, affixing includes molding the atleast one imagable identifier onto a surface of each of the multiplicityof objects. Alternatively or additionally, affixing includes printingthe at least one imagable identifier onto a surface of each of themultiplicity of objects.

[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the at least one imagable identifier includes a multi-coloridentifier. Preferably, the at least one imagable identifier includes amulti-segment, multi-color identifier.

[0016] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the multi-segment, multi-color identifier is capable ofidentifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects at least equal toapproximately:

Plurality of objects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p

[0017] where

[0018] n is the number of different colors and

[0019] p is the number of segments.

[0020] More preferably, the multi-segment, multi-color identifier iscapable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects atleast equal to approximately:

Plurality of objects=n×(n−1)^((p−-2))×(n−2)

[0021] where

[0022] n is the number of different colors and

[0023] p is the number of segments.

[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the multi-segment, multi-color identifier has an inherentorientation.

[0025] Preferably, imaging includes photographing and may includeimaging a plurality of the objects together within a single image.Additionally or alternatively, imaging may include sequentially imaginga plurality of the objects passing a given imaging location

[0026] Preferably, the at least one imagable identifier includes aplurality of imagable identifiers arranged in at least predeterminedpropinquity to each other.

[0027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, employing the at least partial image of the object containingthe at least one imagable identifier includes extracting anidentification code from the at least partial image.

[0028] Preferably, the object tracking system also includes acommunicator, communicating at least one of the at least partial imageand the output indication to a remote location

[0029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the processor is operative to extract an identification codefrom the at least partial image.

[0030] Preferably, output from the imager of the object tracking system,as well as output from the imaging of the methodology, can be stored forfuture retrieval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be understood and appreciated morefully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction withthe drawings in which

[0032]FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a multiple location objecttracing and tracking system constructed and operative in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of a multiple location objecttracing and tracking system constructed and operative in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a multiple location objecttracing and tracking system constructed and operative in accordance withyet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a methodology for correct affixationof an imagable identifier to an object

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplifiedillustration of a multiple location object tracing and tracking systemconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 1, there is preferably provided a tracing andtracking system which covers multiple geographically disparate locationsat which it is sought to trace and track objects. At typical suchlocations, such as warehouses, a plurality of objects, such as stacked,collapsed containers 10, each bear an imagable identifier 12. Theimagable identifier preferably comprises a multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier preferably in the form of a multi-segment color-coded discwherein various segments have various colors. A preferred imagableidentifier is commercially available from ImageID Inc. of One PennPlaza, Suite 2210, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. under the trade name ImagecodeThe identifier is described in the following references, the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference:

[0038] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/508,300

[0039] Published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711.

[0040] It is a particular feature of the present invention that theimagable identifiers on a plurality of objects may be imaged together,as in a single photograph, by a conventional imager 14, such as adigital camera. This is principally due to the fact that the variouscolors appear in the imagable identifier in two dimensional areas whichare relatively easily differentiated from each other both spatially andin color space.

[0041] The image output of the imager is preferably provided to acomputer 16, which may process the image output locally and provide anoutput indication 18 representing a plurality of numerical oralphanumerical identifiers corresponding to all of the imagableidentifiers imaged in a given image or series of images. Alternativelyor additionally, computer 16 may communicate via any suitable computernetwork, such as the Internet, with a remote tracking center 20, whichmay receive either image outputs for processing or alternatively mayreceive the plurality of numerical or alphanumerical identifierscorresponding to all of the imagable identifiers imaged in a given imageor series of images. The image outputs may also be stored for futureretrieval, either locally in computer 16 or in remote tracking center20.

[0042] The remote tracking center 20 preferably compiles records oftracked numerical or alphanumerical identifiers from a multiplicity ofgeographically disparate locations so as to enable ready counting,tracking and locating of objects identified thereby. Remote trackingcenter 20 preferably maintains a database which is updated based oncommunications received from various geographically disparate locations.

[0043] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplifiedillustration of a multiple location object tracing and tracking systemconstructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 2, there ispreferably provided a tracing and tracking system which covers multiplegeographically disparate locations at which it is sought to trace andtrack objects. At typical such locations, such as warehouses, aplurality of objects, such as multiple stacks of containers 110 orobjects stored on shelves, each bear an imagable identifier 112. Theimagable identifier preferably comprises a multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier preferably in the form of a multi-segment color-coded discwherein various segments have various colors A preferred imagableidentifier is commercially available from ImageID Inc. of One PennPlaza, Suite 2210, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. under the trade name ImagecodeThe identifier is described in the following references, the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference:

[0044] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/508,300

[0045] Published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711.

[0046] It is a particular feature of the present invention that theimagable identifiers on a plurality of objects may be automaticallyimaged together, as in a single photograph or a series of photographs,by a conventional imager 114, such as a panoramic digital camera. Thisis principally due to the fact that the various colors appear in theimagable identifier in two dimensional areas which are relatively easilydifferentiated from each other both spatially and in color space.

[0047] The arrangement of FIG. 2 is particularly useful for continuouslyupdating inventory records of a large number of objects automatically,without the necessity of approaching each object or stack of objects ormoving the objects past a tracking station

[0048] The image output of the imager is preferably provided to acomputer 116 which may process the image output locally and provide anoutput indication 118 representing a plurality of numerical oralphanumerical identifiers corresponding to all of the imagableidentifiers imaged in a given image or series of images. Alternativelyor additionally, computer 116 may communicate via any suitable computernetwork, such as the Internet, with a remote tracking center 120, whichmay receive either image outputs for processing or alternatively mayreceive the plurality of numerical or alphanumerical identifierscorresponding to all of the imagable identifiers imaged in a given imageor series of images. The image outputs may also be stored for fixtureretrieval, either locally in computer 116 or in remote tracking center120.

[0049] The remote tracking center 120 preferably compiles records oftracked numerical or alphanumerical identifiers from a multiplicity ofgeographically disparate locations so as to enable ready counting,tracking and locating of objects identified thereby. Remote trackingcenter 120 preferably maintains a database which is updated based oncommunications received from various geographically disparate locations.

[0050] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplifiedillustration of a multiple location object tracing and tracking systemconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 3, there ispreferably provided a tracing and tracking system which covers multiplegeographically disparate locations at which it is sought to trace andtrack objects. At typical such locations, such as warehouses, aplurality of objects, such as multiple containers 210, each bear aplurality of imagable identifiers 212. Each imagable identifierpreferably comprises a multi-segment, multi-color identifier preferablyin the form of a multi-segment color-coded disc wherein various segmentshave various colors. A preferred imagable identifier is commerciallyavailable from ImageID Inc. of One Penn Plaza, Suite 2210, New York,N.Y., U.S.A. under the trade name Imagecode. The identifier is describedin the following references, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference:

[0051] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/508,300

[0052] Published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711.

[0053] It is a particular feature of the present invention that multipleimagable identifiers on one or more objects may be automatically imagedtogether, as in a single photograph or a series of photographs, by aconventional imager 214, such as a digital camera. This is principallydue to the fact that the various colors appear in the imagableidentifier in two dimensional areas which are relatively easilydifferentiated from each other both spatially and in color space.

[0054] The arrangement of FIG. 3 is particularly useful for providing arelatively large number of available numerical or alphanumericalidentifiers. For example, use of a single Imagecode™ imagable identifiertypically provides approximately 60,000 combinations. The use of twoImagecode™ imagable identifiers in a predetermined relative spatialorientation may provide approximately 60,000×60,000 combinations.

[0055] The image output of the imager is preferably provided to acomputer 216, which may process the image output locally and provide anoutput indication 218 representing a plurality of numerical oralphanumerical identifiers corresponding to all of the pluralities ofimagable identifiers imaged in a given image or series of images.Alternatively or additionally, computer 216 may communicate via anysuitable computer network, such as the Internet, with a remote trackingcenter 220, which may receive either image outputs for processing oralternatively may receive the plurality of numerical or alphanumericalidentifiers corresponding to all of the imagable identifiers imaged in agiven image or series of images. The image outputs may also be storedfor future retrieval, either locally in computer 216 or in remotetracking center 220.

[0056] The remote tracking center 220 preferably compiles records oftracked numerical or alphanumerical identifiers from a multiplicity ofgeographically disparate locations so as to enable ready counting,tracking and locating of objects identified thereby Remote trackingcenter 220 preferably maintains a database which is updated based oncommunications received from various geographically disparate locations.

[0057] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the multi-segment, multi-color identifier 12, 112 and 212 iscapable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects atleast equal to approximately:

Plurality of objects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p

[0058] where

[0059] n is the number of different colors and

[0060] p is the number of segments.

[0061] The foregoing calculation does not assume any predeterminedorientation of the imagable identifier.

[0062] More preferably, the multi-segment, multi-color identifier iscapable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects atleast equal to approximately:

Plurality of objects=n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n −2)

[0063] where

[0064] n is the number of different colors and

[0065] p is the number of segments.

[0066] This calculation assumes a known or constant orientation of theimagable identifier.

[0067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, themulti-segment, multi-color identifier has an inherent orientation. It isappreciated that this need not necessarily be the case When themulti-segment, multi-color identifier does not have an inherentorientation, the methodology exemplified in FIG. 4 is particularlyuseful

[0068] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is an illustration of amethodology for correct affixation of an imagable identifier to anobject. It is appreciated that due to the circular symmetry of theImagecode™ imagable identifier, consistency of affixation orientation isimportant in order to maximize the number of available combinations ofnumerical or alphanumerical identifiers while avoiding misidentificationof objects.

[0069] One technique for ensuring correct affixation orientation is tomold or otherwise form onto a container 300, a three-dimensionallydefined affixation location 302 and to provide an imagable identifiercarrier 304, such as an adhesive backed sticker, which has aconfiguration, such as a notched configuration, which allows it to beplaced in the three-dimensionally defined affixation location 302 onlyin one unique orientation relative to the container. Clearly, thestructure and methodology shown in FIG. 4 is applicable to imagableidentifier carriers 304 which bear multiple as well as single imagableidentifiers 306. It is appreciated that other suitable techniques ofunique orientation affixation may be employed, such as printing ormolding of an imagable identifier directly onto an object.

[0070] It is noted that for the sake of clarity, the features of FIGS.1, 2, 3 and 4 have been described separately. It is to be appreciatedthat the features of any one or all of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 may beadvantageously combined in a given system or methodology

[0071] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thepresent invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications whichwould occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specificationand which are not in the prior art.

1. A methodology for tracking objects comprising: affixing at least oneimagable identifier onto each of a multiplicity of objects to betracked, imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicityof objects at a known location to provide an at least partial image ofsaid at least one of said multiplicity of objects, containing said atleast one imagable identifier; and employing said at least partial imageof said object containing said at least one imagable identifier toprovide an output indication of the location of said at least one ofsaid multiplicity of objects.
 2. A methodology for tracking objectsaccording to claim 1 and also comprising communicating at least one ofsaid at least partial image and said output indication to a remotelocation.
 3. A methodology according to claim 1 and wherein saidaffixing includes adhesively attaching said at least one imagableidentifier onto a surface of each of said multiplicity of objects.
 4. Amethodology according to claim 1 and wherein said affixing includesmolding said at least one imagable identifier onto a surface of each ofsaid multiplicity of objects.
 5. A methodology according to claim 1 andwherein said affixing includes printing said at least one imagableidentifier onto a surface of each of said multiplicity of objects.
 6. Amethodology according to claim 1 and wherein said at least one imagableidentifier comprises a multi-color identifier.
 7. A methodologyaccording to claim 1 and wherein said at least one imagable identifiercomprises a multi-segment, multi-color identifier.
 8. A methodologyaccording to claim 7 and wherein said multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier is capable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality ofobjects at least equal to approximately: Plurality ofobjects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p where n is the number of differentcolors and p is the number of segments.
 9. A methodology according toclaim 7 and wherein said multi-segment, multi-color identifier iscapable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects atleast equal to approximately: Plurality of objects=n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2)where n is the number of different colors and p is the number ofsegments.
 10. A methodology according to claim 9 and wherein saidmulti-segment, multi-color identifier has an inherent orientation.
 11. Amethodology according to claim 9 and wherein said imaging comprisesphotographing.
 12. A methodology according to claim 1 and wherein saidimaging comprises imaging a plurality of said objects together within asingle image.
 13. A methodology according to claim 1 and wherein saidimaging comprises sequentially imaging a plurality of said objectspassing a given imaging location
 14. A methodology according to claim 1and wherein said at least one imagable identifier comprises a pluralityof imagable identifiers arranged in at least predetermined propinquityto each other.
 15. A methodology according to claim 9 and wherein saidimaging comprises imaging a plurality of said objects together within asingle image.
 16. A methodology according to claim 1 and whereinemploying said at least partial image of said object containing said atleast one imagable identifier comprises extracting an identificationcode from said at least partial image.
 17. A methodology according toclaim 1 and wherein said identifier is capable of identifying anddistinguishing a plurality of objects at least equal to approximatelyPlurality of objects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p where n is the number ofdifferent colors and p is the number of segments.
 18. A methodologyaccording to claim 1 and wherein said multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier is capable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality ofobjects at least equal to approximately: Plurality ofobjects=n×(n−1)^((p−2)×() n−2) where n is the number of different colorsand p is the number of segments.
 19. A methodology according to claim 1and wherein said identifier has an inherent orientation.
 20. Amethodology according to claim 1 and wherein said imaging comprisesphotographing.
 21. An object tracking system comprising. at least oneimagable identifier affixed onto each of a multiplicity of objects to betracked; an imager, imaging at least a portion of at least one of saidmultiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at leastpartial image of said at least one of said multiplicity of objects,containing said at least one imagable identifier; and a processoremploying said at least partial image of said object containing said atleast one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of thelocation of said at least one of said multiplicity of objects.
 22. Anobject tracking system according to claim 21 and also comprising acommunicator communicating at least one of said at least partial imageand said output indication to a remote location
 23. An object trackingsystem according to claim 21 and wherein said affixing includesadhesively attaching said at least one imagable identifier onto asurface of each of said multiplicity of objects.
 24. An object trackingsystem according to claim 21 and wherein said identifier is molded ontoa surface of each of said multiplicity of objects.
 25. An objecttracking system according to claim 21 and wherein said identifier isprinted onto a surface of each of said multiplicity of objects.
 26. Anobject tracking system according to claim 21 and wherein said at leastone imagable identifier comprises a multi-color identifier.
 27. Anobject tracking system according to claim 21 and wherein said at leastone imagable identifier comprises a multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier.
 28. An object tracking system according to claim 27 andwherein said multi-segment, multi-color identifier is capable ofidentifying and distinguishing a plurality of objects at least equal toapproximately: Plurality of objects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p where n isthe number of different colors and p is the number of segments.
 29. Anobject tracking system according to claim 27 and wherein saidmulti-segment, multi-color identifier is capable of identifying anddistinguishing a plurality of objects at least equal to approximately:Plurality of objects=n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2) where n is the number ofdifferent colors and p is the number of segments.
 30. An object trackingsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier has an inherent orientation.
 31. An object tracking systemaccording to claim 29 and wherein said imaging comprises photographing.32. An object tracking system according to claim 21 and wherein saidimaging comprises imaging a plurality of said objects together within asingle image.
 33. An object tracking system according to claim 21 andwherein said imaging comprises sequentially imaging a plurality of saidobjects passing a given imaging location.
 34. An object tracking systemaccording to claim 21 and wherein said at least one imagable identifiercomprises a plurality of imagable identifiers arranged in at leastpredetermined propinquity to each other.
 35. An object tracking systemaccording to claim 29 and wherein said imaging comprises imaging aplurality of said objects together within a single image.
 36. An objecttracking system according to claim 21 and wherein said processor isoperative to extract an identification code from said at least partialimage.
 37. An object tracking system according to claim 21 and whereinsaid identifier is capable of identifying and distinguishing a pluralityof objects at least equal to approximately Plurality ofobjects=(n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2))/p where n is the number of differentcolors and p is the number of segments.
 38. An object tracking systemaccording to claim 21 and wherein said multi-segment, multi-coloridentifier is capable of identifying and distinguishing a plurality ofobjects at least equal to approximately: Plurality ofobjects=n×(n−1)^((p−2))×(n−2) where n is the number of different colorsand p is the number of segments.
 39. An object tracking system accordingto claim 21 and wherein said identifier has an inherent orientation. 40.An object tracking system according to claim 21 and wherein said imagingcomprises photographing.
 41. An object tracking system according toclaim 21 and wherein output from said imager can be stored for futureretrieval.
 42. An object tracking system according to claim 27 andwherein output from said imager can be stored for future retrieval. 43.An object tracking system according to claim 29 and wherein output fromsaid imager can be stored for future retrieval.
 44. A methodologyaccording to claim 1 and wherein output of said imaging can be storedfor future retrieval
 45. A methodology according to claim 7 and whereinoutput of said imaging can be stored for future retrieval.
 46. Amethodology according to claim 9 and wherein output of said imaging canbe stored for future retrieval.